COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2014 PRESEASON TOP 25

#15 Wisconsin Badgers

NATIONAL FORECAST

#15

Big Ten West PREDICTION

#1

The Badgers return only eight starters, but the expectations remain high in Madison. And even with the personnel losses, Wisconsin is still positioned for a run at the Big Ten title. Running back Melvin Gordon headlines an offense that should be one of the best in the nation on the ground. Four starters return on the line, including tackles Rob Havenstein and Tyler Marz. The receiving corps needs to be revamped, and quarterback play is a concern. However, a rebuilt defense and solid rushing attack should be enough to remain a top 25 team in 2014.

Tanner McEvoy still gets questions about a contingency plan if he isn’t the Wisconsin starting quarterback. Blame that on the junior playing so well at safety last season after getting thrown into the position after the season started. Make no mistake, it’s quarterback or bust for McEvoy, who will compete for the starting job in camp with junior Joel Stave, the returning starter. Stave is 13–6 as a starter, but a costly decision not to slide on a scramble in the Capital One Bowl led to an AC joint injury in his throwing shoulder. That limited him in the spring, opening the door for McEvoy.

Second-year coach Gary Andersen prefers dual-threat quarterbacks, and McEvoy brings the read option to an already potent running game. Melvin Gordon and James White combined to rush for 3,053 yards last season, the most ever at the FBS level by two teammates. White is gone — and many fans believe Gordon should have left, too. Gordon was eligible for the draft as a third-year sophomore and likely would have been the first back taken.

Gordon has averaged 8.1 yards per carry in his career, yet has never been the featured back and has carried the ball more than 20 times in only two games. Sophomore Corey Clement averaged 8.2 yards on 67 carries in his first season and will share the load.The offensive line is as big and nasty as ever. Five players have started five or more games, led by senior right tackle Rob Havenstein (6'8", 327 pounds), who has 28 career starts.

The question on offense is the passing game. The 336 passes Stave attempted in 2013 were the most in school history, and his 2,494 passing yards ranked fifth. He also threw too many interceptions (13) and frequently missed open receivers.

The three players who caught the most passes last season all departed. At least two of the five receivers signed in February must contribute immediately.

Athlon's Cover 2 Podcast previews the Wisconsin Badgers for 2014:

Order a copy of Athlon's 2014 Big Ten Preview, which includes an in-depth look at all 14 teams, features and predictions for the upcoming season.

Previewing Wisconsin’s Defense for 2014:

Get used to seeing undersized, explosive athletes on defense, because the Badgers have put a premium on speed. They have sacrificed size, but the goal is to get more big plays — turnovers, sacks and tackles for a loss.

The defensive front seven is completely new, led by senior nose guard Warren Herring, who will also play end to bolster the pass rush. Redshirt freshman Alec James was involved in one of several position changes, going from outside linebacker to defensive end. James will also help pressure the quarterback, along with outside linebacker Vince Biegel.

Replacing All-America linebacker Chris Borland is a concern. Derek Landisch is a leader and playmaker, but Marcus Trotter doesn’t run well and must prove he can play against spread opponents.

The secondary was a big issue last season, but three starters return in cornerbacks Sojourn Shelton and Darius Hillary and safety Michael Caputo.

Previewing Wisconsin’s Specialists for 2014:

Incoming freshman Rafael Gaglianone was signed to address a shaky field-goal situation. He will have to beat out incumbent Jack Russell. Kenzel Doe, who tied for the Big Ten lead in kickoff returns (26.5 average) last season and had a 91-yard kickoff return for a TD in the bowl game, will be the No. 1 returner.

Final Analysis

Losses in the final two games against Penn State and South Carolina spoiled what could have been a special first season for Andersen. A large senior class departed, but there is enough talent to contend for the Big Ten West title if a quarterback emerges. Opening the season against LSU in Houston ramped up the urgency in spring, but the schedule is favorable after that — the Badgers host Nebraska and do not play the projected top four teams from the Big Ten East.

1. Significant personnel lossesWisconsin should be able to effectively reload on both sides of the ball, but there will be a transition period in 2014. With only eight returning starters, concerns at quarterback and receiver, it’s hard to pick the Badgers to challenge Michigan State or Ohio State for the Big Ten title.

2. Question marks under centerWill it be Joel Stave or Tanner McEvoy taking the first snap against LSU this year? Stave threw for 2,494 yards last season, but McEvoy was coach Gary Andersen and coordinator Andy Ludwig’s pick to challenge Stave in 2013. McEvoy played safety last year and moved back under center this spring. Stave’s shoulder injury added to the uncertainty.

3. Rushing attack and offensive lineBoasting one of the Big Ten’s best rushing attacks and offensive lines has become an annual tradition in Madison. The Badgers return four starters on the line, while running back Melvin Gordon should be a Heisman contender. Even with quarterback concerns, Wisconsin’s offense should have no trouble moving the ball with a rushing attack that ranks among the best in the nation.

4. Rebuilding on defenseTake a look at Wisconsin’s depth chart for 2014 and it's easy to see there are a ton of new faces stepping into the starting lineup. The Badgers return only three starters on defense, with standouts like Chris Borland, Dezmen Southward and Beau Allen expiring their eligibility. Despite the personnel turnover, there are reasons to be optimistic. Coach Gary Andersen and coordinator Dave Aranda are sharp defensive minds, and there is experience returning at linebacker Vince Biegel and Derek Landisch, underrated nose guard Warren Herring and cornerback Sojourn Shelton. The opener at LSU will be tough, but Wisconsin’s defense should get better as the season progresses.

5. Favorable scheduleWhile the depth chart has a lot of holes, the schedule is a huge positive for Wisconsin. The Badgers catch Rutgers and Maryland in crossover play, while Nebraska visits Madison. Sure, there’s a road trip to Iowa and a potential swing game at Northwestern, but Wisconsin’s 2014 slate is one of the easiest in the Big Ten.

The Debate

Wisconsin's Defense or Quarterback Play: Which is a Bigger Concern in 2014?